The Government of Ghana has announced a significant shift in its strategy to combat illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, by deploying permanent military forces to affected areas across the country.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the new approach.
“All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey will now have a permanent military presence,” he stated.
According to Mr. Ofosu, this new policy represents a clear departure from previous short-term military interventions, which involved security forces conducting operations to clear illegal miners and then withdrawing shortly after.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now there will be a sustained military presence,” he explained.
He further noted that this initiative is not limited to land-based mining sites. The government also plans to extend military deployment to all major water bodies across the country, many of which have been severely polluted due to illegal mining activities.
“All the rivers we have will have permanent military presence,” Mr. Ofosu added.
However, the announcement has sparked a national conversation, particularly following President John Dramani Mahama’s position that declaring a state of emergency is not currently warranted. This stance has drawn criticism from environmental groups and civil society organizations that have long advocated for stronger measures.
The permanent deployment is part of a broader government effort to protect Ghana’s natural resources and mitigate the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining. Galamsey operations have caused significant deforestation, water pollution, and destruction of farmland, posing a serious threat to public health and sustainable development.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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